For nearly a century, our family kitchens have been the favorite rooms in our homes. We've cooked and eaten and eaten some more while we've watched ourselves grow up, grow older, and grow wider.

The grandmothers both collected hundreds of recipes, created new ones, and passed on an enthusiasm for food that never seems to dwindle. My husband and I have never hesitated to venture into new foods. Our tastes have expanded with our moves around the country [O.K. so he's not too crazy about vegetarian]. We have yet to meet a cuisine we don't appreciate. Our daughter [Leslie], her husband [Byron], our son [John], and his wife [Rhonda] continue the tradition. They are all accomplished cooks. Most of us prefer vibrant flavors. For some, the hotter, the better.

Many recipes are contributions from friends. We've enjoyed their company and adored their cooking. Each has added to our repertoire. My special thanks to Susie, Maggie, Nita, and Suzanne. Their skills in their kitchens are enviable.

The fourth generation is still a little young to be included in the book, but the children have been exposed to wide varieties of foods and they are rapidly developing their own areas of appreciation [well, maybe mostly McDonald's and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, but there are occasional signs of progress].

We hope this project will be ongoing for those who come after us. We also hope that you who try our recipes enjoy them as much as we have. Come back often. This site is continuously under construction.